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Upland in Grant County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

Ivan and Carol Slain

Ivanhoe Drive In

 
 
Ivan and Carol Slain Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023
1. Ivan and Carol Slain Marker
Inscription.
Ivan and Carol Slain started Ivanhoe's in 1965, but their roots go back much further. They are known for keeping out of the spotlight, yet working extremely hard, and showing kindness when they can. Carol's grandfather came to Upland in the 1880's, following the gas boom in the area, and eventually became the town's police officer. His son became a baker in downtown Upland and this is where Carol learned many of her great baking skills. Ivan was taught at a young age the value of persistence and dedication. He grew up in Matthews and came from a family of farmers. Ivan served our country in the US Army during the Korean War.

After returning from the war, Ivan and Carol saved up enough money to buy Wiley's Drive In and changed the name to Ivanhoe's Drive In. Ivanhoe's began as a small place with only outdoor seating. Carol and Ivan worked tirelessly to keep Ivanhoe's moving forward and it eventually grew into the iconic business it is today. They have hosted the Ivanhoe Classic Basketball Tournament since 1983 and for years, Ivanhoe's has provided the community's children with free sundaes for good report cards. They
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love this community and all the people that make it so special. Their life's work will forever be reflected in the fabric of Upland.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.
 
Location. 40° 28.449′ N, 85° 29.702′ W. Marker is in Upland, Indiana, in Grant County. It is on South Main Street (Indiana Route 22) south of Railroad Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 Railroad St, Upland IN 46989, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jeffery Carney (here, next to this marker); Leland and LaRita Boren (here, next to this marker); Jim and Nancy Gore (here,
Ivan and Carol Slain Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023
2. Ivan and Carol Slain Marker
next to this marker); Rick and Cindy Wright (here, next to this marker); Sidney "Sid" Hall (here, next to this marker); Jane Rockwell (here, next to this marker); Jay & Janie Kesler (here, next to this marker); John Bragg (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Upland.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 408 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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Jul. 27, 2026