Rochester in Fulton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Centennial Park

Photographed by Craig Doda, February 3, 2024

1. Centennial Park Marker

Inscription. This is the former site of a 3 story brick building built in 1871 by Levi Mercer, Andrew Shepherd and William Bitters. Originally called Balcony Hall because it had a grand balcony on the third floor where plays, concerts and dances were held. In 1875, it was purchased by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows who replaced the original 3rd floor fittings with an IOOF meeting hall which remained until 1967. Alden "Torchy" Knapp bought the building in 1965 and later split the 3rd floor into two separate floors for business and residential rentals. In 1975, James Zimmerman purchased the building and named it Centennial Tower as the building had just passed its 100th birthday. Many businesses rented space in the building over the years. It was destroyed by fire December 9, 2011. Generous donations in 2016 funded Centennial Park. The park was named Centennial from the name of the building at the time of the fire. It was dedicated in honor of Indiana's Bicentennial year, 2016. We hope you enjoy your time here in Fulton County and in Rochester's Centennial Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is December 9, 2011.

Location. 41° 3.91′ N, 86° 12.974′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Indiana, in Fulton County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and West 9th Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 826 Main Street, Rochester IN 46975, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern 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: History of Rochester College (within shouting distance of this marker); Ga bgojwébnegéjuk Mural (within shouting distance of this marker); Potawatomi "Trail of Death" (within shouting distance of this marker); Honor Roll - Fulton County Indiana

Centennial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, February 3, 2024

2. Centennial Park

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionary War Memorial (about 300 feet away); W. W. I War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Fulton County Courthouses (about 300 feet away); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Centennial Park Sponsor Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, February 3, 2024

3. Centennial Park Sponsor Plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.