Lawrenceburg's History, Significance Documented In New Publication

Press release by the Lawrenceburg Conservancy District Photo provided by the Lawrenceburg Conservancy District. (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Under the direction of Paul Seymour, Superintendent, the Lawrenceburg Conservancy District announces the publication of a pictorial narrative of the power and importance of the Ohio River at Lawrenceburg. The new publication includes historic photographs, levee engineering details, aerial and current photographs of extensive, innovative and recreational land uses, financial data and some fascinating stories of human perseverance, leadership and community spirit. The book's narrative also tells stories of "piglets in the Methodist church, cattle in Tanners Creek" and describes the catastrophic 200-yard wide levee breech in January, 1907, when a torrent of water destroyed 694 structures in Lawrenceburg. The LCD's purposes includes land stewardship, flood control, irrigation, financing, equipment operation maintenance, and recreational development of the geographic area defined in 1983 by the State of Indiana as the Lawrenceburg Conservatory District 67. Current members of the LCD Board of Directors include: Mike Noel, Chairman, Dennis Richter, Co-Chairman, Randy Tyler, Jim Kittle, Dave Lorey, Mike McCabe and Greg McAdams. "The board is very pleased with the publication of the book. It will not only help us tell the story of the levee, but also the effort necessary in the past, and in the future, to maintain this valuable community asset. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has suggested we reach out to our community with this information, so that Federal, State and local efforts are understood and appreciated," said Randy Tyler. Bill Krider, nationally recognized Lawrenceburg photographer and owner of Krider Photography, coordinated the project. The book was designed to document the significance, history and contributions of community leaders, citizens, industry, the railroads and government to Lawrenceburg-Greendale. In addition to his aerials and photographic originals, Krider compiled library and historical research, restored old images, collaborated with staff at the Lawrenceburg Public Library, the Indiana Historical Society, and reviewed the archival writings of William Engle, Seagram Distillery. The extensive writings of local historian Chris McHenry were key references necessary to assemble the information. Krider reported, "We used many of Chris' documents as primary research, which included transcriptions of LDC meeting minutes, articles from the Lawrenceburg Press and Dearborn County Register. I'm also appreciative of the Whitney Studios publication, The Ghost City, Story of the Lawrenceburg 1937 Flood, as well as the contribution of images from Milt Masing and the Indiana Historical Society. I enjoy the history of Lawrenceburg, so it's always gratifying to be able to present it to others." The book's initial publication has been made available at no charge to any citizen within the flood district, and donated to the public library, school libraries, as well as city and county offices. For a copy or more information, call Paul Seymour at (812) 584-8820.