Ferdinand in Dubois County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker
1888-1978
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 29, 2025
1. Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker Marker, Side One
Ida Hagan grew up in the Pinkston Settlement, a free Black community west of Ferdinand. In 1904, local physician Dr. Alois Wollenmann appointed her deputy postmaster of the Ferdinand Post Office at age 16. at a time when few professional opportunities existed for Black women. This drew intense local resistance and national attention. She became acting postmaster in 1912.
After completing Winona Technical Institutes' pharmacy course, Hagan earned her license in 1909. practicing in Ferdinand, Indianapolis, and Gary. She married and moved to Detroit by 1930. There, she participated in many organizations, most notably serving as president of the city's Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a leading Black labor union.
Erected 2025 by Indiana Historical Bureau, William G. Pomeroy Foundation and Ferdinand Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series
this page online
Location. 38° 13.514′ N, 86° 51.693′ W. Marker is in Ferdinand, Indiana, in Dubois County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Indiana Route 162) and East 11th Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1150 Main St, Ferdinand IN 47532, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region and in Southern 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Historic Wollenmann Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Huntingburg Town Hall and Fire Engine House (approx. 7.1 miles away); Freedom Train (approx. 7.7 miles away); Santa Claus Land Railroad (approx. 7.7 miles away); America's Everyday Heroes
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 29, 2025
2. Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 29, 2025
3. Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 8, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
