Mt Ayr, Indiana
Mt Ayr History
Mount Ayr has a rich and interesting history. We are located in Jackson Township, Newton County, in the state of Indiana. The population is approximately 120. We are a total area of 0.15 square miles, our area code is 219 and our zip code is 47964.
Mount Ayr was laid out in 1882 when the railroad was extended to that point. The town reportedly was named after Mount Airy, North Carolina, the native home of its founder. A post office has been in operation in Mount Ayr since 1886. Please be patient as we continue to form our history page and provide historical photos In the future.
Projects Committee
Our dedicated Mount Ayr Projects Committee work very hard to provide many fun events throughout the year. It was founded in 2002 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization consisting of a group of volunteers from Mount Ayr and our surrounding area (Jackson Township). The committee sponsors annual events like soup supper in the winter in which proceeds go to scholarships for local students; Easter egg hunts, Fun Day in the Park, Arbor Day Celebration, Back to School Bingo, Halloween in the Community Center and Donuts with Santa. Volunteers and ideas are always welcome.
United States Post Office (Mt Ayr)
We are very proud of our Post Office that has been active since 1886. It is located at 101 E. Rensselaer Street at the far west corner of the Community Center.
Mt Ayr Community Center
The Mount Ayr Community Center is located at 101 E. Rensselaer Street. It houses our U.S. Post Office and a beautiful fully equipped Community Center. The Community Center is available for rentals for receptions, parties, and meetings. Reservations may be made through the Mount Ayr Town Clerk at 219-869-2460.
Mt Ayr School
One thing you know when you hail from Mount Ayr or learn very quickly when
you move to Mount Ayr is that the Mount Ayr School Alumni is very proud of the
school's heritage and are quite passionate about its history. The Mount Ayr School has taken many forms since the first two story frame school was built in 1890 on land donated by Marion Lewis. The new brick school was built in 1918.
The gymnasium/auditorium was added in 1937. The school was in use until the late 1980's. The Mount Ayr School met with disaster when it was destroyed by fire on March 30, 2012.
Mt Ayr Town Park
The town of Mount Ayr is blessed with a wonderful and beautiful town Park. It is the centerpiece of our little town and provides a quiet atmosphere with beautiful trees and benches, modern playground equipment and shelters and picnic areas for the enjoyment of your family and friends. The park also houses a modern bus shelter to keep our children protected from the weather while waiting for the school bus.
Museums
Murfitt-Corning
House
The Mount Ayr Naval Museum is a nostalgic look at the 30 year Naval Career of Lieutenant Commander Howard Marshall, U.S. Navy (Retired). His career took him to 49 states and over 60 countries. The collection is simply a snapshot of Commander Marshall's very unique career and his collection of items from around the world.
108 E. Rensselaer Street Mt Ayr, IN
By appointment only: 219-869-3247
Sigler General Store
The Sigler General Store & Bank of Mt Ayr Museum located at 105 E. Chicago Street in Mount Ayr offers a unique look at the past and also houses some antiques and trinkets that are for sale. In addition, Mr. Dan Thomas, curator, and owner, is a world class custom framing. The Museum is not-for-profit and was built in 1890. Phone: 219-394-3010
Our Churches
Apostolic Faith Assembly Church
The Mount Ayr Apostolic Faith Assembly Church (former Church of God) is located at 215 N. Second Street, Mount Ayr. There are two church buildings located on the property. Although we are working on the history of the buildings, one appears to have been built at the turn of the century, the Bedford stone structure built in the 1950/60's.
Methodist Church
The first Methodist minister appeared on the scene in Mount Ayr in 1849. The Church was built in 1884 at 104 N. Third Street, Mount Ayr.
More information to follow.