Fairland Historical Society

06/14/2026

Orpha Ridlen Slifer (1846-1919) served as treasurer of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Shelby County. (Orpha and her husband, Ellis, are buried in Fairland Cemetery.)
In 1895, Shelby County had 5 WCTU unions (local chapters) with a goal of sobriety and social reform. "The WCTU of Indiana sought to end liquor sales and, until women achieved the ballot in 1920, advocated for the right of women to vote. Their activities attracted thousands of members to the WCTU and resulted in changes in Indiana’s liquor laws. The organization reached its zenith with the passage of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) in 1920." - Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
There is still an active WCTU chapter in Indiana.
Read more: https://indyencyclopedia.org/women-s-christian-temperance-union/

06/14/2026

June 17 Blood Drive in Moral Township. Schedule a time at https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11639374

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Blood Drive @ PVBC: June 17, 4:30-7:30 PM

06/13/2026

We are looking forward to supporting the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department at the Fish Fry. You may also schedule a time to donate blood at their June 20th blood drive.

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity and precision medicine that recognizes the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive. Versiti is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.

06/13/2026

LISTEN to Ben Wheatley, Maxine Gambrel & David Sullivan share local history as part of our Oral History Project.

Interviewees share their stories and history of Fairland, Indiana, including Moral & Brandywine Townships in Shelby County as they remember them. We seek to share their stories of local history, but their memories are their own. Thanks to the volunteers who conducted these interviews for their dedic...

06/11/2026

The Fairland Historical Society will have a tent at the Fairland Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fry on June 19 & 20. Our historical society tent hours will be 5-6 p.m. on Friday & 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. Support the Fire Dept., and stop by to discuss local history with us.

06/09/2026

NEW Episode of the Oral History Project! Bob Taylor & Ken Hardwick share stories from the 1940s-1970s related to life in Fairland, school, sports, local businesses, and their early careers in teaching and banking.

Bob Taylor and Ken Hardwick are interviewed by Anne Hardwick in 2026. They were friends at Fairland School and share stories of Fairland, Indiana in the 1940s-1970s, including sports, local businesses, and their early careers in teaching and banking.

06/07/2026

Thomas Clark Nelson (1926-2010) played basketball and graduated from Fairland High School in 1944. His wife, Betty, remembered that the first time she saw him on the basketball court, the uniform was so big on him that it was taped to him. Tom served in the Navy 1944-1946 and returned to marry Betty in 1947. They were farmers and owned Quality Equipment (John Deere) in Shelbyville. He was a director of the American Paint Horse Association and won many awards showing his horses.
Thanks to his daughter, Debra, for sharing his Fairland letter sweater and photo with us!

05/31/2026

NEW! The Oral History Project - Our volunteer board members have been interviewing people to document stories of local history. Thanks to our first three guests, Ben Wheatley, David Sullivan, and Maxine Gambrel, for speaking with us!
Listen from our Website or by using this direct link.

The Fairland Historical Society shares the history of Fairland, Indiana, including Moral & Brandywine Townships in Shelby County. The Fairland Historical Society is a non-profit, public charity, 501(c)(3), 509(a)(2).Please note that interviewees share their stories as they remember them. We seek...

05/27/2026

The Fairland Historical Society will have a tent at the Fairland Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fry on June 19 & 20. Our historical society tent hours will be 5-6 p.m. on Friday & 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. Support the Fire Dept., and stop by to discuss local history with us.

Send a message to learn more