Merrillville Town Council – State of the Grove March 25th, 2025
My name is Jeremy McShurley, and I live with my wife, Danielle Kacmar, at 111 E 73rd, the old red brick house with the large walnut trees just off Broadway. In 2020 we purchased our home, and we both believe our letter of intent to the owner was the reason. Here’s a sample:
“I don’t consider myself to simply be purchasing a property. I believe I am fulfilling a longtime goal in turning this house into a home. I, along with my fiancé, will cherish every moment we share at Walnut Grove, vowing to preserve its past, as we build our future together. And while there may be others who wish to stake a claim on Walnut Grove, I know in my heart that we will be the ones who shall treasure this landmark, not only for the value it brings to our community, but also the value it will have in our lives.”
Today we are happy to announce the formation of the Walnut Grove Historical Society. Our founding board of directors is dedicated to restoring and preserving Walnut Grove and all of The Region’s historical landmarks and habitats. After attending a screening for a documentary called “Save Briar East Woods”, and listening to a lecture by Professor Kenneth Schoon that same screening, I decided to support the Grand Avenue alternative plan in nearby Hammond.
Last night our board voted to endorse the plan as well. Here is a sample from our press release from this morning:
“Walnut Grove Historical Society Endorses Grand Avenue Alternative for Hammond Railroad Crossing
Merrillville, IN– 3-25-2025 – The Town of Merrillville has in recent years adopted the slogan, “The Heart of the Region.” At the center of that heart is the Morgan-Skinner-Boyd Homestead, also known as Walnut Grove. It is the site of Me-Gwun’s Village, purchased by one of Lake County’s earliest settlers, Jeremiah Wiggins, in 1833. Since that time, each subsequent resident has worked tirelessly to develop, restore, and preserve this 150 year-old historical landmark. If Merrillville is the Region’s heart, then Walnut Grove will strive to be its soul.
The Walnut Grove Historical Society, a dedicated advocate for the preservation of natural and historical resources in Lake County Indiana, today announces its strong endorsement of the Grand Avenue alternative plan for addressing the railroad crossing issue in Hammond, Indiana. This unanimous endorsement from our board comes in response to concerns surrounding the Governor’s Parkway Overpass project and its potential devastating impact on the Briar East Woods and the ecosystem of the entire region.
Walnut Grove recognizes the will of the people of Hammond. But we also recognize the interconnected web of life that our communities are all a part of. The removal of that ancient duneland in Hammond will have a negative cascading effect that will become a long-term detriment to not only Hammond, but the very Region our board has dedicated themselves to protect. Time is of the essence, as federal funding has nearly been approved.
The Walnut Grove Historical Society urges the people, organizations, and municipalities of the Region to carefully consider the Grand Avenue alternative and prioritize a solution that effectively addresses the railroad crossing issue while protecting the invaluable Briar East Woods for future generations. We believe that a responsible and sustainable approach is essential for ensuring the long-term well-being of the community and the preservation of its natural and historical heritage.”
That was our first release and today is our first State of the Grove presentation. To reiterate, we are not attempting to infringe upon the rights of the citizens of Hammond. They have debated the issue for years, they have voted upon the issue, and their mayor is doing his executive duty in proceeding with the project. But that doesn’t mean we have to agree with that decision.
Join Walnut Grove in our endorsement. The Governor’s Parkway Overpass may come to pass. And a generation from now most of us won’t even remember. But if the Town of Merrillville endorses the Grand Avenue plan it will show our town’s commitment to our environment and the people who work to protect it. Think of the possibility.
Would the Sierra Club have their convention in Hammond or in Merrillville?
Would the National Park service consider adding a park in Hammond… or in Merrillville?
Eco-friendly tourists will travel down that Interstate to gather. They will dine in our restaurants, they will shop in our stores, they will fuel their vehicles, and they will return home telling their family of friends of our amazing community.
We’ve chosen the slogan “The Heart of the Region” to represent our town. Let’s show everyone in that Region that we mean what we say… and do what we believe in.”
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