Vevay in Switzerland County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lella Regula Trafelet

1908-1988

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

1. Lella Regula Trafelet Marker, Side One

Inscription. Groundbreaking research chemist Lella Trafelet was born near Vevay. In 1938, she earned her M.A. in Chemistry at Indiana University before overseeing laboratories at the U.S. Rubber Company, Naugatuck Chemical Division in Connecticut. In the 1940s, Trafelet began a decades-long career at Michigan's Wyandotte Chemicals Corporation, where she overcame gender barriers.

Trafelet developed methods to determine detergent levels in rivers and lakes, work that intersected with passage of the 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act. By the 1960s. she served as Wyandotte Chemicals senior research chemist and earned recognition in American Men of Science. Trafelet helped women advance in chemistry, training employees in analytical research.

Erected 2024 by Indiana Historical Bureau • William G. Pomeroy Foundation • Switzerland County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 38° 44.913′ N,

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85° 3.913′ W. Marker is in Vevay, Indiana, in Switzerland County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street/Ohio River Scenic Byway (State Road 156) and East Market Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street/Ohio River Scenic Byway. Marker is on the grounds of the Switzerland County and Life on the Ohio River history museums. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 E Market St, Vevay IN 47043, 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: Switzerland County Historical Museum – 1860 (a few steps from this marker); City Roller Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Fire Bells (within shouting distance of

Lella Regula Trafelet Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

2. Lella Regula Trafelet Marker, Side Two

this marker); Hay King (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldo House (within shouting distance of this marker); Webb-Allen House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chateline House (about 600 feet away); Hoosier Theater (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vevay.

Lella Regula Trafelet Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 3, 2025

3. Lella Regula Trafelet Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.