Fitting addition
People who come to Columbus to tour its architecture quickly realize how significant a role J. Irwin Miller played in making the city one of the leading examples of Modern architecture. The business and philanthropic leader was behind the Cummins Foundation’s decision to pay architectural fees for selected public buildings, such as schools, and recommend architects.
Also of interest to tourists are the former Cummins chairman’s mid-century Modern home designed by Eero Saarinen, located near 27th and Washington streets, and his former office at 301 Washington St.
With Miller such a large part of the city industrial and architectural history, adding a historical timeline panel to his office as part of the architectural tour is appropriate and welcome. That should help visitors understand the significance of the impact he made.
Proper salute
There’s a strong bond among public-safety officers, evident nationally, statewide and locally with strong participation during ceremonies to honor officers who have died in the line of duty. During ceremonies May 19 in Columbus, about 100 local people — including officers and members of the public — took time to pay their respects.
Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department have been fortunate to never have an officer or deputy killed in the line of duty, but five Indiana State Police troopers who served Bartholomew and other counties have given their lives while serving the public, including Trooper Earl Brown, a Bartholomew County resident who was shot and killed in Columbus in 1955.
Memorials such as the local one last week are important because they honor the effort and sacrifice of those who choose to protect and serve residents — and sometimes do so by putting themselves in harm’s way.
Strong display of care
Not even heavy rain could keep volunteers from providing a helping hand to individuals and organizations in the community for the annual Bartholomew County Day of Caring — even if it required two days to complete.
While storms and flooding limited what could be accomplished on first scheduled date, May 5, plenty of volunteers were still eager to assist with the second-go-around May 12. They provided valuable assistance for nonprofits, helped beautify areas of the city, tackled projects for organizations and provided a helping hand for individuals.
People who were unable to participate in the Day of Caring should consider doing so in the future. It’s a great way to make a difference.
