Randolph Township in Rising Sun in Ohio County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

J.W. Whitlock

Local Historical Figure

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 29, 2023

1. J.W. Whitlock Marker

Inscription. An important inventor and manufacturer who crafted furniture, boats and musical instruments. He invented the first coin-operated music machine and game machine plus built forerunners to several modern marvels.

Erected by Indiana Municipal Power Agency (sponsor).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 38° 56.801′ N, 84° 51.112′ W. Marker is in Rising Sun, Indiana, in Ohio County. It is in Randolph Township. It can be reached from South Front Street north of 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the sidewalk along the riverfront. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 S Front St, Rising Sun IN 47040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

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: Rising Sun Centennial (a few steps from this marker); The Laughery Club (a few steps from this marker); Global War on Terror (Oct. 2001-Present) (a few steps from this marker); Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-191) (a few steps from this marker); Panama (12/1989 - 01/1990) (a few steps from this marker); American Revolution (1775-1783) (a few steps from this marker); Grenada (10/1983 - 11/1983)

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(a few steps from this marker); War of 1812 (1812-1815) (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rising Sun.

Also see . . . J.W. Whitlock and His Automatic Harp (PDF). Amidst the earlier developments in the automatic-music field was John William Whitlock's Automatic Harp, invented and produced in Rising Sun, Indiana, and eventually exclusively distributed by the Wurlitzer Company. (Rick Crandall) (Submitted on May 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Historical Marker

The markers lay flat in the sidewalk.

John William "Row" Whitlock (1871-1935) image. Click for full size.

via Indiana Bicentennial Commission

3. John William "Row" Whitlock (1871-1935)

Whitlock is seen aboard "Hoosier Boy," a speedboat he built and steered to an unbreakable Ohio River speed record in 1924.

J.W. Whitlock & Co. Novelty Works image. Click for full size.

Unknown via The Indiana Album (Public Domain), circa 1910

4. J.W. Whitlock & Co. Novelty Works

The building on South Walnut Street still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4. submitted on May 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.