History of New Harmony, Indiana

Raymond Cox, born 1896, grew up in the New Harmony area, and remained there most of his life. He speaks about becoming a school teacher, enlisting in the Air Corps during World War I, and selling automobiles. He discusses the decline of the automobile business during the Great Depression and World War II, and the alternative employment he worked, such as constructing outhouses and being a town trustee.

Dorothy, born 1899, and Mildred Donald, born 1898, both grew up in New Harmony, Indiana, before pursuing teaching careers and moving away. They speak not only about their education, but also the education and teaching of their students. They discuss their religious background and the influence of religion on the community. They believe changes in the town, such as the emphasis on preservation, have allowed the community to survive.

Helen Elliott, born 1893, grew up in New Harmony and was a history teacher in Indianapolis for many years before returning to the town. She discusses her early life, particularly education, teaching, and religion. She knows much of the religious influence in New Harmony and discusses its changes through the years. She fondly recalls the influential people in her childhood and the emphasis they placed on intellectual pursuits. While she was teaching in Indianapolis, she became involved in the New Harmony Memorial Commission. After her return to New Harmony in the nineteen forties, she continued her involvement in the history and preservation of the town, and discusses it in detail.

Almah and Harry Glump, both born 1894, lived in New Harmony, Indiana all of their lives. They speak about the town in the early twentieth century in regards to recreational activities, education, and their various jobs. They also describe the importance and influence of the various religions. Much discussion is given to the restoration of the town, and both the positive and negative effects it has had on population, business, and tourism.

Alvin, born 1897, and Geraldine Johnson, born 1898, were long time residents of New Harmony, Indiana. They recall the early twentieth century living in a small town. Their discussion concentrates on social activities, religion, education, and the effects of historic preservation on the viability of the town. They also describe the 1913 Flood, the Great Depression, and the oil boom of the early nineteen forties.

Mary Kuykendall, born 1887, moved to New Harmony, Indiana just prior to her marriage in 1906. She discusses early recreational activities and the role of religion in the town and her life. She speaks about the horrific 1913 Flood and the well-received Centennial celebration the following year.

Anne Mathas and Frances Stallings, twins born 1892, grew up in New Harmony, Indiana. They discuss their early education, religious background, and the social events of the early twentieth century. Particularly memorable were the Murphy lectures and the Centennial celebration. They speak about changes in the community and the influence of the restoration movement.

Foster Tolliver, born 1921, grew up in Posey County, Indiana, but did not move to New Harmony until after World War II. He was a local businessman and town councilman for many years before becoming mayor. He discusses many of the public works projects he was involved with during this period. Some, such as the Sanitary Sewer System, were successful, but others, such as the installation of water meters, met stiff opposition and failed. He describes the benefit of historic preservation in terms of tourism and increased land values, but feels the town has been in a general decline since World War II.