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Historic
Preservation Corporation
The
Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corporation (LSHPC), a not-for-profit
(501(C) 3) organization, was established in June of 1997 for the specific
and primary purpose of preservation of the oral, written and physical
history, artifacts, building and land which identifies and/or describes
events, activities and life experiences of the people and the community
known as Lyles Station in Gibson County, Indiana incorporated in 1886.
The goals of the LSHPC are multifaceted. The first project
undertaken by LSHPC was the purchase and restoration of the Lyles Consolidated
school. LSHPC seeks to preserve an important Indiana Landmark with restoration,
but in keeping with the organization’s mission, to give life to
the building by making it a useful and attractive community amenity.
We anticipate that the services and programs delivered through this
project will enhance the quality of life for residents of Gibson County.
The Lyles Consolidated School building, dating from 1919, is the most
prominent building in the community and one, which, along with the Wayman
Chapel A.M.E. church, best indicates the aspirations and values of the
people who dwelt there. The outstanding significance of the school building
is recognized beyond Lyles Station.
The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as
a rare surviving manifestation of Indiana’s rural African American
heritage. The school is further recognized for its role as an extraordinary
institution from which many individuals advanced to achieve distinction.
The building ceased to be used as a school in 1958. The ensuring years
took a heavy toll on its fabric and structure, and a portion of the
rear of the building is in a state of collapse. In recognition of its
importance and its declining condition, Historic Landmarks Foundation
listed it as one of Indiana’s Ten Most Endangered Places. Through
the use of Historic Landmarks Statewide Revolving Loan Fund, the Lyles
Station Historic Preservation Corporation purchased and completed emergency
stabilization of the school.
In addition to previous support from the Gibson Community Foundation,
LSHPC was awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture
to complete the restoration of the building. The Architect was George
Ridgway , the contractor Jeffrey Koester both noted by Preservationist
to be among the best in the physical restoration of rare and historic
properties. On June 24, 2002 a groundbreaking ceremony with Indiana’s
first lady Judy O’Bannon. The school’s scheduled completion
date is March 2003.
The end uses of the building will include programs identified through
a series of public hearings and brainstorming sessions with members
of the organization and the general community. They are the Heritage
School and Museum.
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