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Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory Restoration

A Good Idea

Description

From 1878 to 1972, traditional craftsmen at the Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory constructed wooden saddletrees, the internal framework of a saddle. Saddles played a key role in American transportation history, and the factory was the nation's oldest continually operated family-owned saddletree factory upon its closure. After decades of fundraising, community volunteers helped to reopen the historic building as a living history museum in May 2002.

Restoration efforts were supported by a Transportation Enhancements award.

Goal / Mission

The preservation and restoration of the Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory aims to contribute to the overall economic and cultural development of the community.

Results / Accomplishments

The restoration of the Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory benefits the city of Madison as a reminder of its unique role in transportation history while enhancing the cultural and economic health of the community. The museum brings an estimated $1 million to the local economy annually.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Historic Madison, Inc.
Primary Contact
John Staicer
Historic Madison, Inc.
500 West Street
Madison, IN 47250
812-265-3426
saddle@seidata.com
http://www.historicmadisoninc.com/
Topics
Art & Recreation / Libraries & Museums
Community / Civic Engagement
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Historic Madison, Inc.
Source
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
Date of publication
11/1/2002
Date of implementation
5/1/2002
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Madison, IN
For more details
http://www.historicmadisoninc.com/saddletree_museu...
http://www.enhancements.org/misc/TEGuide2002.pdf
Target Audience
Families

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A Good Idea meets the following HCI criteria:

  1. The program description includes: the sponsoring organization, program goals, program funding source, program implementation steps and outcomes.
  2. The program evaluation is limited to descriptive measure(s) of success/accomplishment (i.e., program participation rates, number of services/education sessions/radio messages provided). Note: oftentimes, the program has been newly implemented and a program evaluation has not yet been conducted. Programs that have not yet been evaluated, but which show promise in improving health or quality of life, are classified as Good Ideas until an evaluation is conducted.