Wabash in Wabash County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Thomas F. Payne / Modoc
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
1. Thomas F. Payne Marker
(Side One)
The New Bradley Building
Thomas Payne constructed this historic building in 1868 for a woodworking and furniture shop that was without equal within 100 miles. In 1920, the Bradley family, with architect A.M. Strauss, completed a major overhaul for their Bradley Brothers Drug Store. The second story became a leading center for prominent doctors, lawyers, and businessmen, even sporting a medicinal bath. Residential tenants have occupied this historic site since the Bradley renovation.
(Side Two)
Most Famous Elephant in America
When the Great American Circus staged a performance at Wabash High School on Nov. 11, 1942, Modoc escaped and wandered downtown. Upon smelling fresh-roasted peanuts here at the Bradley Brothers Drug Store, she smashed through the front door, gobbled up the peanuts, and then proceeded on a five-day rampage through two counties. Her antics hit headlines across the country, making Modoc the most famous elephant in America for one week in 1942!
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1857.
Location. 40° 47.798′ N, 85° 49.333′ W. Marker is in Wabash, Indiana, in Wabash County. Marker is at the intersection of S. Miami Street (State Road 15) and W. Market Street, on the right when traveling north on S. Miami Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 S Miami St, Wabash IN 46992, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brush Carbon Arc Light (a few steps from this marker); Dr. James H. Ford / New Flour Exchange (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jimmy Daywalt (about 600 feet away); Wabash, Indiana (about 700 feet away); Union Soldiers Of Wabash County Memorial Building (about 700 feet away); Memorial Tree (about 700 feet away); James H. Emmett (about 700 feet away); Wabash County Honor Rolls (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wabash.
Also see . . . Modoc the Elephant. From the DrHorsefly blog. (Submitted on August 23, 2014.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
2. Modoc Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
3. Thomas F. Payne
Photographed By 2, Unknown
4. Modoc and friend
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
5. The New Bradley Building
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
6. Thomas F. Payne / Modoc Marker
W. Market Street and S. Miami Street (SR 15)
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 13, 2014
7. Thomas F. Payne / Modoc Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4. submitted on December 30, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 23, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
